Episode 8

This episode was shot on the grounds of a creepy, abandoned mill on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. It looked like the backdrop of a first-person shooter video game: eerie tumbleweeds, bright yellow caution signs written in Spanish and broken window panes.  To top it off, most of us were wearing protective masks which only added to the overall aesthetic.

"How’s The View?" was really fun -- especially as a spectator.  Imagine shaving while you're looking at yourself through a mirror that's reflected in another ... basically it's nearly impossible.  It reminded me of an old game I used to play in elementary school.  You can actually try this at home.  Stretch out your arms and cross your right arm over your left.  Turn your palms to face one another and tightly (that's the key) interlock your fingers.  Now, bend your elbows to create a right angle and rotate your clasped hands down and around so that your pinkies are in front of your face.  Without touching them, have someone choose random fingers and ask you to lift them.  Because your fingers are crossed and inverted, you'll find that your brain will get confused and lift one finger instead of the one you intended.  That's just a taste of what it was like for these guys.

Once "Cell Out" began, however, things took a much more serious tone.  As soon as Jon announced there was an exemption at stake, the players were on pins and needles.  As always, Mark proved to be a formidable adversary by blazing through the doublet in near record time.  (I believe one of our PA's solved it in 33 seconds.)  We also had a dictionary at the ready in case the players created a four-letter word that we'd never heard of ... like "pell."

Behind the scenes, Paul was very concerned about his future in the game ... if Mark wasn't the Mole, that meant he had a 50/50 shot of going home.  Normally, Paul's strategy was to start an argument just before quiz time in order to throw players off their game.  This time was no exception and Paul somehow started a HUGE fight with Mark on the way to location.  Since Mark had an exemption, though, Paul's exact motives were unclear...

Although cameras weren't rolling, it apparently began when Paul started talking about his eyebrow ring.  When trying to book emcee gigs at weddings, Paul said it was a problem for some customers -- so he took it out.  Mark chimed in that people with tattoos often have the same problem.  From there, it escalated into a discussion of social mores, stereotypes and ultimately ended with Mark fuming to the point of tears/rage in a dark alleyway.  No question -- Paul is a master at getting under people's skin.

Meanwhile, I have no idea what's happening ... I'm at the spooky quiz station (standing in a pool of stagnant water) in an empty warehouse waiting for Mark.  Five minutes goes by.  Ten minutes.  Over the walkies, I started hearing reports of a blow out ... "[crackle ... hiss -- Mark and Paul have to be separated right now ... crackle -- stand by ... big fight in the van ... hissss].  Needless to say, whatever transpired really shook up both of the players.  Neither of them wanted to discuss EXACTLY what went down, but when Paul was  executed, I think Mark felt bad that they never got to bury the hatchet. 

Guess that's what reunions are for!

Either way, Paul knew he was a goner.  As the players sat down for their final execution, Paul had already started saying his goodbyes.  When the red thumbprint appeared, I have to say it was pretty sad.  For all of his histrionics, Paul was good people and entertaining to watch.  Watch out Mole  –- your days are numbered.